Fewer table eggs will be available for home consumption this year because of continuing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza at U.S. egg farms this fall, said USDA economists. In the monthly Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook report, they estimated table egg production of 7.783 million dozen this year, 1 percent less than in 2023.
The U.S. laying flock of 312.2 million hens at the start of October was 2.6 percent smaller than the flock a year earlier. “During October, confirmations of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) resulted in the loss of 2.8 million egg layers in Utah, Washington, and Oregon,” said the report, issued last week. Table egg production was forecast to be up 4.2 percent in 2025.
A USDA database said that 4.38 million birds, mostly laying hens, were lost to bird flu in October and that losses so far in November have totaled 5.31 million birds.
The Washington Post reported spot shortages of eggs at some local grocery stores. Demand typically rises ahead of holidays, when home bakers are busy.
Egg prices are notably more volatile than the prices of other foods. The USDA estimated that egg prices will rise 8.8 percent this year, while grocery price inflation is a lower-than-usual 1.2 percent.